Tag / best men’s fashion

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Menswear Trade Shows, Stylish Men’s Sunglasses and Allen Edmonds

It’s with a much-needed weekend ahead of me that I’m writing today’s Style Guide missive in our ongoing Friday Read series — perhaps you feel the same way? We’re closing out an incredibly busy week on the #menswear front in NYC, including two whirlwind days for yours truly at style trade shows like Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs and Capsule Show. This week’s schedule also included a stop to view the contemporary and slightly edgier mix of brands found at MAN-WOMAN show (think tried-and-true favorites like Apolis and upstart brands like Alps & Meters — as seen in this Midwest fall style post).

At any rate, it was great to catch up with brands familiar and unfamiliar, many of whom you see regularly on this blog — from the standout sneaker makers at SeaVees to perennial Style Guide favorite Frank and Oak. I got around in style with my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch and made sure to rock some stylish men’s sunglasses, too. And as it were, that busy week of trade show action capped off an even busier weekend, if you can believe it. Incredibly and unexpectedly, I had the chance to see my favorite band, indie rockers The National, play not one, but two breathtaking shows in the small upstate town of Hudson last weekend. They debuted tracks off their upcoming new album, “Sleep Well Beast,” and I can assuredly say after hearing it twice that it’s on track to be one of the year’s best — no joke. I won’t give away too much, but you can read an excellent write-up at Vinyl Me, Please of the two emotional, powerful shows at converted factory Basilica Hudson. In short, I was so very glad I went — no regrets at all! With that being said, I’m very much looking forward to some much-needed downtime this weekend — and on that note, I’m going to leave you with today’s #menswear news. Happy reading, enjoy the weekend and keep up with my Brooklyn explorations over on Instagram.

  • We’ll start with the menswear world here — and specifically, the world of stylish men’s dress shoes. Among American purveyors of your favorite dress shoes, Allen Edmonds has got to rank high on the list — right? This week, CEO Paul Grangaard announced he’ll be assuming an advisory role as longtime industry vet Malcolm Robinson joins the brand’s parent company as president of its men’s and international divisions. I, for one, am excited to see where the brand continues to go — after checking out the Allen Edmonds Fall 2017 line last month, I can tell you that the brand has some great product — including plenty of stylish men’s boots — on the way this next season.
  • Upgrading your everyday carry is something we talk about frequently here on The Style Guide — and it’s with that in mind that I’m recommending you pick up the Grovemade Walnut and Leather iPhone Case via my latest GearMoose feature. Ehh?
  • Last but surely not least, it’s imperative given my *ahem* “job” as editor of The Style Guide that I direct you to the latest blog series here, called The List, chronicling the best new men’s gear to buy this week, this month … heck, this year? Happy shopping!

OK, loyal readers — we’re closing up shop early today! Have a great weekend, join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week from site  favorites Mott and Bow, and we’ll catch you on Monday.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender

Blue Claw Co.

An all-around standout bag, from the waxed canvas exterior to the design exclusive to Bespoke Post.

Before you hit the road on your next trip, grab the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender — you’re gonna need it, and I’ll tell you exactly why today on The Style Guide. For starters, you can make the argument that every guy needs a stylish weekender bag in his rotation. It’s an accessory that’s more than just a place to stash your stuff as you dress for summer travel. Think of it like an extension of your outfit — as I always say, the small details count, and your weekender bag is definitely among those details. The best men’s weekender bags get a few things right. Oftentimes, those things revolve around sturdy construction, expert detailing, handsome looks (all the better to pair with everything from a tee and jeans to a polo and blazer) and the ability to haul all of your favorite gear.Today, we’re all in luck — the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender checks all of those boxes. It’s a worthy buy before your next trip — and thanks to Bespoke Post, it’s affordable as heck, and entirely unique Why should you snag the Waxed Weekender over other options, though? Keep on reading, fella.

Nautica

Notably, the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender is exclusive to Bespoke Post — you really won’t find it anywhere else. It’s got the sort of rugged specifications and strong construction you’d expect from an American-made weekender bag. As it were, Blue Claw Co. designs all of its gear in Minneapolils and produces it with attention to detail — if this bag can stand up to Minnesota winters, it can certainly stand up to summer travel. It’s similar in size to the Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, so it should be a trusty trip standby — that goes for whether you pack it with American-made denim aplenty or your favorite suede chukka boots and one of the best men’s dopp kits.

Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender

Handsome bridle leather accents and durable hardware give this bag a solid look and feel.

And as we’ve said before, the small touches set the Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender apart. As you can see above, touches like a solid brass zipper and complementary brass hardware give it all the durability you need when hitting the road weekend after weekend.  It can readily fit in an airplane overhead bin, and with that durable waxed canvas exterior, you can chuck the Waxed Weekender in the back of your car for a summer upstate trip or a weekend at the beach. That brings us to perhaps the most important point. The Waxed Weekender is a bit of an investment at $295 in full. However, get this: When you sign up for Bespoke Post, you can snag the tough, durable and stylish  Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender  for $215 — not a bad deal, ehh? And keep in mind that signing up for Bespoke Post also gives you access to the brand’s monthly subscription box for just $45. But that’s another post entirely. At any rate, the  Blue Claw Co. Waxed Weekender is among the best men’s weekender bags to buy now — that much is true. Will you be hitting the road with the  Waxed Weekender  in tow? Let me know in the comments, and catch up with us over at The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Most Stylish Gear to Upgrade Your Everyday Carry

We always say here at The Style Guide that the little details count. And that’s no more true than when it comes to your everyday carry. We’re talking about all the little things you can’t leave the house without — from a slim wallet to a leather lanyard to versatile sunglasses and a small-yet-effective daypack. And in the summer season, that list likely grows a little bit longer. Between fighting the summer sun with a vintage ballcap and toting along a trusty, durable bottle opener to a tailgate or backyard BBQ, it pays to be prepared for every situation. And you’d be surprised at just how affordable it can be to upgrade your everyday carry — whether it’s easygoing essentials from Bespoke Post or a durable daypack, plenty of brands stock handy gear for travel and daily use at low prices. Hopefully, today’s rundown hits the sweet spot for you. We’re covering those unexpected — and unexpectedly useful — items that everyone seems to need. The next time you head to a backyard barbecue, hit the beach or even stroll to your post-work happy hour, you’ll be more than prepared with reliable ways to upgrade your everyday carry.

Timex

The Bag: Topo Designs Daypack, $168

With enough room for a 15-inch laptop, the Daypack is your essential summer bag.

If we’re talking your everyday carry, might as well start with a reliable bag — right? Whether you’re hitting the road for a hike or simply gearing up for a stroll to the farmer’s market, take the effective Topo Designs Daypack with you. Featuring a neat blue exterior accented with rich leather and touches of red, the  Topo Designs Daypack is a smart-looking, high-performing pack made with enough room for a 15-inch laptop. That makes it a winner in my book.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98

Throw this Huckberry cap in your bag and throw it on whenever you might need extra sun protection.

A Style Guide favorite no matter the season, it’s always helpful to have an easy-to-wear, stylish and vintage-inspired ballcap in your bag for situations that pop up unexpectedly. Yes, a ballcap can — and should — serve a functional purpose. From shielding your eyes in outfield seats that got caught in an unexpected glare to keeping your face free from sunburn during an hours-long cookout, the Explorer’s Cap — available in a plethora of colors — is an everyday carry essential.
Greats

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chronograph, $77 OR Deep Blue NATO Diver 300 Automatic, $220

Two options that were made for rugged adventure — and then some.

Wherever your casual summer adventures take you, a durable, stylish watch is an absolute must. If you’re bringing along something like the Topo Designs Daypack, then let’s assume you’re going somewhere off the beaten path. In that case, the crisp, classic and well-designed Timex Weekender Chronograph can hang every step of the way — doubly so thanks to the summer-friendly NATO strap.  And if your adventures call for soaking up some rays and spending some time in the water, the handsome Deep Blue NATO Diver 300 Automatic is as up for anything as you are.

Save up to 25% each month by joining Style Plan at Frank + Oak! *Free Shipping & Returns. No code necessary. Monthly membership for men & women.

The Bottle Opener: Areaware Bottle Axe, $17.50

An effective — and effectively cool — way to open your favorite beer.

First seen in our new Style Guide series The List,  the Areaware Bottle Axe is quite the upgrade from your standard combo bottle opener. It’s sleek, well-designed and well-made, for one. It’s also a neat conversation piece of sorts — it’s inspired by Norse mythology and medieval history. A regular, cheap bottle opener doesn’t have that going for it. Grab the Bottle Axe, toss it in your beach bag and get ready for an afternoon enjoying laidback brews.

Florsheim

The Everyday Carry Essential: Swiss Advance Crono Camp Multi-Tool, $35

More tools than you can possibly believe — at an accessible price, too.

Perhaps the true definition of an everyday carry piece, the Swiss Advance Crono Camp Multi-Tool really can do it all. The brand says it’s designed to be ultra-slim and lightweight, and it seriously packs a ton of punch. It features, in short order, everything from a bottle opener to a wire stripper to a fork AND knife. And it does all of that for just $35. For your next beach bonfire or hiking trip, you need the Crono Camp Multi-Tool.

The Sunglasses: Knockaround Mile High Polarized Sunglasses, $24.98
Knockaround

A sharp, simple and very affordable silhouette for summer style.

Great sunglasses at an accessible price with quality construction? Nearly impossible to come by. Yet, Knockaround seems to consistently solve that conundrum, making the Mile High Polarized Sunglasses quite the reliable option to add to your everyday carry. For a price that low, you needn’t worry about beating them up too much — take them to the office and out on a long weekend of adventures thereafter (at least, that’s what I’d do if I were you).

Nautica
The Headphones: JAYS u-JAYS On-Ear Headphones, $120

A sleek take on your average headphones, with excellent sound quality.

A seriously underrated part of your everyday carry? The headphones you’re wearing to listen to your favorite podcast (I’d recommend 99% Invisible) or your favorite tunes (I favor a healthy daily dose of The National).  And for unexpectedly sleek and stylish looks — at a great price — the JAYS u-JAYS On-Ear Headphones reliably offer excellent sound quality and a cool silhouette.

Save up to 25% each month by joining Style Plan at Frank + Oak! *Free Shipping & Returns. No code necessary. Monthly membership for men & women.

I say this to you, Style Guide readers: Leave no stone unturned in your pursuit of the best everyday carry gear. If you’re in need of a new grab-and-go bag, the Topo Designs Daypack is the one to buy, with plenty of functionality for your summer adventures. Everything from a  vintage-inspired ballcap to a durable summer watch should also be included in your everyday carry — these are seemingly small-yet-useful touches you shouldn’t leave the house without. And whether you’re heading to the beach or to a barbecue, I think you’d be surprised how handy the  Crono Camp Multi-Tool can be. Last but certainly not least: Don’t leave your house without an affordable pair of shades — the Mile High Polarized Sunglasses just might be your new favorite pair. That’s all the tips I’ve got when it comes to how to upgrade your everyday carry this summer. Have questions? Shoot me a note on Twitter.
Thanks for reading — stay stylish!
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Blazer When It’s Hot This Summer

Let’s get down to business right off the bat — in the remaining time we’ve got this summer, you should certainly be considering how to wear a blazer this summer.  That’s especially true for when it’s hot out — like, really hot out. You’ll surely need all the help you can get. It seems simple enough at first, yet there are plenty of #menswear tips and tricks to consider when throwing on a streamlined suit jacket or a lightweight, classic blazer. For one, you’re going to want to start your search for the perfect summer jacket by going both lighter in weight and lighter in color — fabric blends that incorporate linen, like the option we’ll discuss in today’s #OOTD, are the way to go. The featured jacket in today’s ensemble does a nice job of checking both of those boxes — that featured jacket just happens to be he Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, featuring a pleasantly earthy (yet summer-ready) charcoal color and a stretchy wool-linen blend. The fit is going to be modern, classic and easily wearable with other summer style essentials — a slim navy polo among them. Like other entries in our #OOTD series, it’s all geared toward casual, versatile and seasonally friendly style. But I won’t give the rest away — that’s for you to find out. Got questions on all things style and men’s lifestyle? Fire off a Tweet in  my direction, and keep up with all of my summer men’s style tips on Instagram.

Take your favorite lightweight blazer and pair it with a sharp polo and classic men’s dress shoes.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, $278 —  You certainly know the Taylor Stitch brand and its body of handsome, stylish work — this stylish suit jacket functions just as well as a blazer, with more style and comfort to boot.

The Polo: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo, $68 — Certainly, you can swap in your favorite navy polo here without buying this sharp, well-made option from Flint and Tinder… but why would ya want to do that?

The Pocket Square: J. Crew Cotton Pocket Square, $45 — A somewhat overlooked accessory that’s still crucial here — the cotton pocket square livens this outfit up and provides visual contrast to the casual polo.

The Trousers: Banana Republic Slim Non-Iron Cotton Stretch Pant, $89.50 — For solid, well-fitting and accessibly priced work staples, Banana Republic knows how to set you up. The light blue color contrasts nicely against the navy polo and light charcoal jacket, too.

Florsheim

The Belt: Banana Republic Stretch Leather Belt, $34.50 (On-Sale) — Might as well get your belt from the same spot you get your pants, right? This textured stretch belt is versatile and not overly dressy.

The Shoes: Allen Edmonds Strandmok Cap Toe Oxford, $295 — A positively gorgeous pair of exquisite footwear, crafted to last from the excellent footwear purveyors at Allen Edmonds.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-Show Socks (Three-pack), $30 — You guessed it, folks. We’re actually going with no-show socks here — cuff those trousers a bit for European-inspired style points.

Nautica

The Watch: About Vintage 1844 Chronograph,$309.98 — Similar in nature to the refined, sleek and yet accessible Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph from Armogan, this About Vintage timepiece channels wearable, eye-catching style.

The Sunglasses: Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses, $19.98— If you don’t yet have a pair of  stylish summer sunglasses in your rotation, then I’d say … you need the simple, durable and ridiculously well-priced Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses. How much better can it get?

What’s the biggest key to keep in mind when styling a blazer this summer? In addition to finding that perfect fit for your stylish summer jacket, lightweight fabric is critical. The Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket  knocks it out of the park in that regard, and it’s able to be layered up casually with the crisp-yet-laidback Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo. A patterned pocket square rounds things out on your top half, and light blue trousers and a rich brown leather belt should provide solid visual interest to complete the main components of this summer-ready #OOTD. And when it comes to footwear? There’s hardly a more reliably stylish and well-crafted American footwear brand than Allen Edmonds — just don’t forget your stylish no-show socks. And before you leave the house, I’d strongly advise you to strap on a stylish leather watch from About Vintage — it’s vintage inspiration without the vintage price tag. The same can be said for those handy, durable Knockaround Fast Lanes Sunglasses. That’ll wrap things up for today — as always, the difference is in the details. How will you be styling your polo and blazer for the rest of the summer?

Stay stylish and stay cool,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: How to Upgrade Your Everyday Carry, Summer Style Tips and The National

OK, Style Guide readers — how was everyone’s Fourth of July? Productive? Relaxing? Ideally filled with quite a few of the best summer beers? I sure hope that was the case. I spent mine relaxing in Brooklyn, hitting up some of favorite coffee and craft beer spots, and putting in some light work on The Style Guide (hey, gotta hustle). At any rate, it’s been a quick, shortened week, what with the holiday falling on a Tuesday. But lest you think nothing’s gone down lately in the #menswear world … think again.

We’ve got plenty of ground to cover before we roll into the weekend. If summer shopping remains a priority for you, I’d urge you (strongly!) to look for affordable men’s style essentials and pick up one of the best men’s polos to buy now.  I’d also urge you to pair said polo with some stylish shorts for the season — two foolproof moves that work for your next summer BBQ, your next beach trip or a casual stroll in your favorite park.  Before you spend all your budget in one place, though … take a look at a few prime men’s style news items below, will ya? And with that, it’s nearly time to kick back for Friday happy hour — isn’t it? Follow along with me through the weekend on Instagram, and thanks for reading!

  • Among other #menswear writing pursuits, I’ve been doing some work for The Menlo House, the blogging arm of personalized style service and E-commerce shop FiveFour Club. As with so many men’s fashion matters, the devil is in the details — so my latest post covers how to upgrade your everyday carry in style. It’s as easy as that!

Timex

  • Looking for a minimal, sharply designed pair of shorts that function in more situations than you can count? That’s what SPUDS is aiming to produce — the brand says that its shorts (launching on Kickstarter on July 11th!) are meant to “redefine men’s activewear,” what with a blend of performance fabric and easily wearable colors. Learn more here, and look out for that launch next week.
  • While we’re on the subject of upgrading your everyday carry, I reckon that myself and the GearMoose team might have found the stylish wallet to buy now. It’s the Hitch & Timber Flat Jacket Wallet, and it’s a handcrafted, rugged beauty of a piece. Go get that wallet now!
  • In other everyday style tips, Esquire.com has a simple — yet quite important — missive for you to follow. Namely, the site’s fine style team wants you to, quite simply, stop buttoning the bottom button of your suit jacket. That’s it! That’s all!

  • Let’s close this week out with some stellar new music — agreed? If you haven’t caught on by now, Brooklyn-bred indie rock heroes The National are masters at crafting subtle, simple and yet detailed and complex songs. The band’s latest release, “Guilty Party,” is a multi-layered, multi-faceted song about love and loss — in short, it’s beautiful and it’s been on repeat here at The Style Guide HQ. Listen away!

Those quick-hit menswear and music items will wrap up today’s Friday Read. I think we’re on track for a great weekend, yes? Let me know on Twitter if you’ll be doing any shopping for summer style essentials, or if you’ve got any style-minded questions. With all that being said, I’ve got a happy hour to look forward to later — cheers and enjoy the weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Bespoke Post Weekender Box

Bespoke Post Weekender Box

Available in a plethora of colors, the Weekender Box is likely the best value on the market when it comes to a durable, handsome and stylish weekender bag.

If you’re still searching for a stylish weekender bag, you’ve come to the right place today. Better yet, if you’re looking for a deal that’s affordable as heck, high-quality and very stylish, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box is the absolute next thing you should purchase … right this instant. What separates the Weekender Box from any regular old weekender bag? In short, it’s the combination of accessibility, affordability and style that you’re not going to find anywhere else on the market. As in — the  Weekender Box  costs at most, $55. Yes, that’s right. How so? If you’re not familiar with Bespoke Post, the company offers a monthly subscription plan that’ll ship boxes of stylish, unique and extremely useful goods to your door, time and again.  What exactly is in these boxes? It could be handsome and functional audio gear, like the Bespoke Post Vibes Box, or it could be something as summer-ready as the Bespoke Post Chill Box (a durable cooler and portable beer glasses). Ultimately, the choice is yours. I’ll tell you this, though: If you sign up for Bespoke Post, you can get boxes for just $45. In my years of menswear writing (and avidly shopping Bespoke Post), there’s not a better deal out there. And that’s particularly the case when it comes to the  Weekender Box. Seriously … a durable weekender bag for just $45? It’s true, and it’s got the quality specs to give you some great bang for your buck.

Greats
Available in a plethora of colors — I personally like the handsome Olive option the most — the Weekender Box is the kind of bag it can take a while to find. After all, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box is functional, affordable and great-looking. It’s a custom design made by Bespoke Post, and it features a sturdy canvas exterior that’ll age  nicely the more you use it. If I were you, I’d certainly use this thing as much as I could — from a summer road trip to a stylish beach getaway, it’s certainly got plenty of room to handle everything on your menswear shopping list.

The cotton webbing shoulder strap on this particular weekend bag should prove durable and sturdy, giving you more than enough room to pack it full of everything from your favorite summer sneakers to slim chinos and perhaps … a slim chambray shirt to round things out? And that’s another bonus when it comes to the Bespoke Post Weekender Box — it’ll look as great as the gear you pack inside, what with a versatile color and simple-yet-rich leather accents. With plenty of summer travel on the horizon, I wouldn’t wait one more second to order the Weekender Box — are you with me? Let me know if you plan to buy it over on Twitter. Happy shopping and safe travels out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Polos for Men to Buy Now

If you’ve been feeling a little over this whole “summer” thing — sick of the heat and such — I’m here to tell you that there’s style salvation in the form of the best polos for men to buy now. Yes, I’m talking to you. More laidback than your favorite dress shirt, easier to  wear in the heat than a long-sleeve chambray shirt and more crisp than a plain T-shirt, the polo is the perfect summer go-between in terms of #menswear moves. You can certainly get away with wearing a well-fitting polo to the office to beat the heat in style (I’m partial to an option like the Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt, personally).

And when you want to just grab a shirt and go — yet don’t want to look like you woke up five minutes before brunch — a versatile, slim polo shirt can team with your favorite weekend looks. That means everything from tan chinos and leather loafers to light wash denim and classic summer sneakers are fair game. You can’t just throw on any old polo and hustle out the door, though. The key in shopping for a stylish summer polo revolves around searching for a fabric that’s lightweight and breathable, yet textured and visually interesting. And in terms of fit? Look for a polo that cuts out excess fabric and fits a bit like the polo worn by James Bond in “Casino Royale.” You can dig it, right? Feel free to shop these picks below, chime in on Twitter and check out my Instagram account for summer style moves galore. Are you ready? Let’s go.
Timex

#1. La Paz Leao Polo — $91.98

An easygoing polo made out of comfortable fabric for a great fit.

Blending breezy and continental style with a versatile color and excellent fabric, the La Paz Leao Polo is the kind of laidback shirt that almost wears more like a T-shirt. With its terry fabric construction, it’ll feel like it, too. That doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up with a lightweight navy blazer, though. Yet, bear in mind that it might look best when worn on a beach or around a bonfire with chinos and a cold Corona. Wishful thinking? I sure hope not.

Florsheim

#2. Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Polo in Navy OR Black — $68

Two colors, the same great fit and breathable French terry fabric.

Surely, you’re not sick of reading about Flint and Tinder yet, are you? The brand excels in many a category, making them a Style Guide favorite for plenty of reasons. And the brand’s line of quick-selling Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit polos? Well, they’re not to be overlooked at all. Featuring the modern-yet-accessible fit for which the brand is known, plus airy Supima cotton construction, either the Navy Supima Air Knit Polo or the more sleek Black Supima Air Knit Polo would be a great pick. Pair either with slim off-white chinos and light blue canvas sneakers from SeaVees.

#3. Criquet Shirts Performance Player’s Shirt — $94 OR Criquet Shirts Player’s Shirt — $79

Another brand offering you multiple options and plenty of bang for your buck.

We’re going with not one, but TWO options from the excellent folks at Criquet Shirts.  The brand’s philosophy is simple — no-frills, no-fuss, classic polos with a  reliably tailored fit, organic fabrics and cool looks. The Player’s Shirt is perhaps the style for which the brand is most well-known, what with its crisp collar and array of color options. And the Performance Player’s Shirt? It’s the same fit and styling details as the Player’s Shirt, yet it features TransDRY technology to wick away sweat and moisture. Perfect for taking from the green to drinks afterward — just as Criquet Shirts would want it, really.
Greats
#4. Mack Weldon Vesper Polo in Denim/Total Eclipse Blue OR Rum Swizzle Pocket – $68

A tailored fit plus micro-mesh fabric and plenty o’ great color options — the Mack Weldon Vesper Polo is an easy winner.

Surely, you all know Mack Weldon quite well — right? The Mack Weldon Vesper Polo proved a big hit last summer (at least in the eyes of this style writer), and the brand has expanded its color offering in the easy-to-wear style since then. What does that mean for you? That means more chances to get an affordably priced polo made from a micro-mesh fabric. Yes indeed, Mack Weldon has once again outdone themselves — I’d wear the Denim/Total Eclipse Blue option with light grey chinos and white slip-on sneakers to your next happy hour.

#5. J. Crew Garment-Dyed Polo Shirt — $45

No set of shopping picks is complete without J. Crew — agreed?

Is it a polo roundup if you don’t include a classic, casual and wearable option from J. Crew? Not quite. For all of the brand’s woes, they still can make an expertly broken-in polo or tee — this garment-dyed option (which has sold quite quickly) nails the balance between breezy and dressed-down. The blue color of this particular option would be a natural fit with rolled white denim and perhaps some classic suede chukka boots.

Nautica

Here we are at the end of another Online Shopping Picks entry. Remember this: If you start with the right fit — crisp and tailored — and the right fabric (breathable and comfortable), you won’t go wrong when it comes to finding your new favorite summer polo. If you want style that’s fit for kicking back on the beach, the La Paz Leao Polo is a prime pick — if a bit of an investment. If that’s not quite your speed, either of the handsome, slim-fitting Mack Weldon Supima Air Knit polos should set you on the right path to ideal summer style.  Still shopping? Don’t sleep on the comfort and affordability you get when you pick up a Criquet Shirts polo. I’m partial to the Criquet Shirts Player’s Shirt, so … maybe you should be, too? I kid, I kid. At any rate, standout brands like Mack Weldon and J. Crew definitely have a plethora of options from which to pick.  If you’d like to hear more selections — or if you need guidance on which one to buy — catch up with me on Twitter — I won’t let you down, promise.

Until we shop again — thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: The Best Gear to Bring to the Beach This Summer

It seems as if we were just talking about transitional spring style on this here blog, and yet now, we’re staring down the Fourth of July and we’re talking about what to wear to the beach. Or rather, what to wear to the beach and all the rest of the best men’s gear to bring with you. We’ll cover a bunch today on The Style Guide, from a great beach cooler to a stylish pair of swim trunks, a slim summer T-shirt, great sunglasses and plenty, plenty more.  After all, hitting the water needn’t mean you leave your favorite seasonal style essentials at home. You can — and indeed, should —  bring along durable accessories, a stylish dive watch, a classic pair of sunglasses … seriously, bring (and wear) as much of it as you can. Vacation time is no time at all to slack off, fellas. In the spirit of upgraded beach style, follow along with the below #menswear picks, follow along with my summer style on Instagram and if you dare … follow me on Twitter. Happy shopping!

Florsheim

The Swim Suit: Onia Charles Trunks — $77.98 OR Penfield Seal Swim Shorts — $65

Two colorways, two different brands and two fairly agreeable prices — stylish summer swimwear is here.

Let’s start things off with what’s most important — shall we? Two options here, both stylish, functional and no-frills when it comes to the fit,  details and colors. These are trunks that don’t cry out for attention — I’m partial to the Onia Charles Trunks. Either one will work with a slim T-shirt and slip-on sneakers, and you can throw on a classic ballcap with ease, too. Either option is also fair in terms of price. When it comes to quality, the Onia Charles Trunks or the Penfield Seal Swim Shorts aren’t the sort of swim trunks that can be found in a bargain bin — and that’s quite the positive for you.

The Essential: Finisterre Beach Towel — $44.98
Finisterre Beach Towel

A good-looking beach towel? Who knew?

Before we get to the rest of the essential summer gear you need, how about we knock out one crucial item early on? It can be a bit of a search to find a quality, well-made and stylish beach towel. And if you hadn’t yet thought that a beach towel needed to look nice, well … consider yourself on notice. The Finisterre Beach Towel features a no-fuss pattern and a neutral color — both underrated qualities in a sea of bright, bright towels.

Greats

The Bag: W&P Design Cocktail Tote — $127.98

A grab-and-go bag finished with stylish details and enough durability to make it beach-ready.

So, you’ve got your remarkably stylish beach towel and swim trunks all set. Before we go any further, let’s sort out how you’ll be hauling your everyday carry — from your classic summer sneakers to your favorite sunglasses. You just might want to make the W&P Design Cocktail Tote your bag of choice. It’ll provide durability and stylish looks — and it won’t look out of place slung over your shoulder when grabbing a post-beach beer. Speaking of beer — if you’re looking for a durable beach cooler, stick around until the end of this post.
The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee — $38 OR Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Pewter — $45 

Buy one, buy both … wear one, wear both. It’s up to you, but these stylish Flint and Tinder tees will have you all set for beach time.

We’re giving you two simple, subtly stylish and very well-made summer T-shirt options from the fine folks at Flint and Tinder. As it were, you could pick up both tees and be covered for two different style scenarios. Throw on the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee to head to the beach in the first part of the day, and then keep the breathable Flint and Tinder Slub Henley — a former Style Pick of the Week entry — in your bag if it gets breezy or chilly during that beach bonfire. Which brings us to our next point …

Timex

The Light Sweater: Finisterre Newlyn Crew — $99.98

Finisterre

When the temperature drops, this is the lightweight sweater to wear.

If indeed it gets too breezy or chilly on the beach or on a boat, you need to be adequately prepared. It’s all too easy to resort to tossing on a ratty old crewneck or a logo sweater. And yet, we should likely all aspire to look a little bit better in every situation. That’s where the indigo-dyed, French Terry cotton Finisterre Newlyn Crew finds its way into your bag. Functionally minded, made for anything and built with handy storage pockets, it’s a perfect go-to after a post-morning surf or …. a post-evening beer.

The Footwear: Hari Mari x Nokona Leather Flip-Flops — $110 OR SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard — $78

It’s your call as to whether you go for sandals or sneakers — either should perform reliably and stylishly.

We’re once again giving you two options that could both feasibly work for a stylish day at the beach.  If you’re looking for a supremely easy-to-wear pair of premium leather flip-flops, the Hari Mari x Nokona collaboration has you all squared away. These handsome flip-flops are crafted with baseball leather for a look that’s unlike any pair of sandals on the market. If you’re more of a sneakerhead, reach for the subtly stylish, classic SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard. They’re arguably a pair of summer sneakers you should already own — trust me.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Syd Sunglasses, $118 OR Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $99.98

Summer sunglasses

Pick a pair, any pair. The Norton Point Charlie 014 is in a close race against the J. Crew Syd when it comes to great looks.

In sticking with our focus on affordable men’s style, I bring you two options for stylish summer sunglasses that won’t break the bank — and they won’t skimp on any style points, either. J. Crew as a retailer has certainly seen better days — the good old days of classic chambray shirts on every corner might be behind us. And yet… the Syd Sunglasses are an ideal pair of laidback sunglasses. The same can be said for the classic, casual Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, available for just under $100. Either will sort out your summer beach ensemble quite nicely.
Up to 50% off - The annual Big League Summer Sale starts now at Frank And Oak. Shop sale items!

The Hat: Ebbets Field Flannels For J. Crew Ballcap — $49.50

A well-made, affordable and vintage-inspired hat for summer.

We’ve all got that trusty hat we always reach for when stepping out of the house on casual days, right?  This head-turning Ebbets Field Flannels for J. Crew cap channels vintage style with the sort of easygoing design that should make it a beach bag mainstay. In a neutral and versatile color, you’d do well to throw it in your bag for later — it’ll be the coolest hat at the beach.

The Watch: Aulta Acuatico Automatic — $235 OR Deep Blue Master 1000 Dive Watch — $219.98

Two rough-and-tumble watches geared for beach exploration.

When it comes to rugged watches, I sure hope you like options. Wearing a watch to the beach can be a losing cause — unless you’re wearing the right watch, that is. Leave your stylish leather watch at home and break out one of these bad boys if you want rugged functionality. In particular, the simply designed yet sporty and tough Aulta Acuatico is surf-inspired and yet sleek thanks to the black-on-black color combo. And the Deep Blue Master 1000 … don’t even get me started on how perfect this beastly timepiece is for summer, what with tough construction and rugged design.

Nautica

The Cooler: Bespoke Post Chill Box — $45

Two pint glasses and a durable cooler — what’s not to like? Bring it to the beach, without a doubt.

While we gave you plenty of options in the way of durable watches and stylish swim trunks, there’s really only one cooler you need to buy for the beach. That, my friends, would be the Bespoke Post Chill Box. It’s coming at ya courtesy of the great Bespoke Post team, and it’s packed with all the goods for a great beach day. The Chill Box includes a functional and effective cooler from Hudson Sutler — made in America — along with two pint glasses, ideal for knocking back a couple cold ones. Oh, and when you sign up for Bespoke Post? Well, my friends … you get a nice discount on the Chill Box. Save a brew for me, will ya?

Alright, you tell me — did I do enough of thorough job in the way of stylish summer gear for the beach? I hope this roundup was helpful for ya. If you start out your day right — by putting on some stylish swim trunks — it’s tough to go wrong from there. Grabbing handy everyday carry pieces like the W&P Design Cocktail Tote and the underrated Finisterre Beach Towel are also going to help your day get started on the right foot. Oh, and summer footwear for the beach should be easy with either the Hari Mari x Nokona collaboration or a pair of equally summer-friendly classic SeaVees sneakers. On the watch front, you should undoubtedly pack and wear a durable timepiece that can stand up to some surf and some sun.  Either the Aulta Acuatico or the Deep Blue Master 1000 you have you set up for summer beach adventures nicely. It certainly wouldn’t be a beach day without a vintage ballcap, a stylish Flint and Tinder T-shirt and — perhaps most critically — the Bespoke Post Chill Box. Do you have your shopping list all filled out? Good. Go get to it, and then hit the beach — I’ll see you out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for the Fourth of July This Year

It’s tough to believe it, but it’s here — the Fourth of July, that is. It’s a bit of an oddly timed holiday this year, falling on a Tuesday and all. But rest assured, your Style Guide team of one has still got some prime #menswear for you to check out, purchase and wear this year.  I’ll be looking forward to a day spent hanging out around Brooklyn — and perhaps a trip to Coney Island. If you’ve got similar plans on the books (be it a day at the beach or a backyard barbeque), I’m willing to bet that you’re going to want to dress in laidback, casual summer style. That’s why we’re using this opportunity to pull together a lot of sesasonal essentials you likely already have in your closet. From a slim pair of chino shorts to a stylish chambray shirt and classic summer sneakers, dressing in style for the Fourth of July really has never been easier. It’s all about finding the proper fit, sharp colors and mobile, versatile style — no matter where  the day takes you. I’d love to hear how you’ll be celebrating the day and what you think of the following list of summer style essentials — shoot me a quick Tweet on Twitter, if you so please.  And follow me on Instagram to see how I’m styling my gear leading up to and on the holiday.

Florsheim

Taking style staples you’ve already got in your closet, pulled together in one casual, laidback and good-looking ensemble.

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, $68 — Peruse the pages of this site much? Surely, you recognize the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt from our Style Pick of the Week series — with a cool pattern and breezy fabric, it looks better than a plain T-shirt for the day.

Greats

The Sweatshirt: Flint and Tinder Pocket Pullover, $78 — Because it’s liable to get breezy in the evening, you need an American-made pullover from Flint and Tinder — it’s anything but your average sloppy hoodie.
The Shorts: Finisterre Coverack Shorts, $72.98 — Casual, slim chino shorts are the perfect move here — especially ones made in a versatile color and hard-wearing fabric. First seen in our guide to the best shorts f0r summer.
 Frank And Oak
The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Standard, $78 — Whether you’re manning the grill, strolling the boardwalk or hanging out with friends around a campfire, breezy, stylish summer sneakers from SeaVees are much-needed.
The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $30 — With casual summer sneakers on your feet, durable no-show socks remain a must. Arvin Goods is, quite simply, the brand to buy.

Nautica

The Holiday Essential: Bespoke Post Chill Box, $55  – Yes indeed, I’m calling the Bespoke Post Chill Box a holiday essential — crucially, the Chill Box comes with a durable Hudson Sutler Cooler Bag and two portable pils glasses. Nothing better.

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 — Available in a plethora of color options, the well-made, easy-to-wear and American-made Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is the perfect hat to throw on your noggin in the sun.

Ben Sherman

The Watch: Timex Archive Waterbury United 38mm Watch, $110 — Last but certainly not least, a durable, handsomely crafted and vintage-inspired timepiece is just the right way to accent this casual get-up. Just don’t spill any beer on it, ehh?

With that stylish Timex watch, we’ve put the capper on our latest #OOTD. Do you know what you’ll be wearing for the Fourth of July? I’ll be dressed in much the same way, and looking forward to an easygoing afternoon with friends — dressed to grill out, of course. Similarly stylish gear will serve you well no matter where you go. Critically, the  United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt  personifies wining summer style to a T, while  slim chino shorts from Finisterre should round out your ensemble nicely. Any time you get the chance to pick up  Flint and Tinder gear — like the Pocket Pullover seen above — you should take it. I’d wager that F&T pullover will be perfect for many a summer evening. Throw on some durable no-show socks and classic SeaVees sneakers, too — and you certainly shouldn’t forget the thirst-quenching Bespoke Post Chill Box to keep your guests happy. All set and ready to go? Before you hit the road, be sure to do so with a stylish leather weekender in tow.

Those are all the tips I’ve got in my bag of tricks today, folks. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Shinola, Pitti Uomo and New Music by The Killers

This week, I’ve found myself looking back — and looking forward — quite a bit.  I’ve been looking back on an incredible mini-trip to Philadelphia and New Jersey to see The Killers about two weeks ago now, and I’ve also been looking back on a great family wedding weekend in Charleston. Both trips brought amazing memories, a dash of excellent #menswear and hearty helpings of craft beer (and in the case of my Jersey trip, stunning live tunes!).

I’m also looking forward to a few other momentous events coming up, including a holiday weekend in NYC surrounding the Fourth of July, plus an exciting month of live music (including a mid-July show by one of my all-time favorite bands, The Naked and Famous!). In the meantime, you can be sure we’ll be talking plenty of men’s style news on the site, from American-made denim to the best shorts to buy for summer and the best new men’s gear to buy now— and plenty more! If that’s of interest, I’d say you should definitely stick around. Before we get to that though, we’ve got a laidback weekend in the Big Apple coming up, and a full rundown of the week in #menswear to kick it off — per usual, as it were! Follow me on Instagram to keep up with the latest, and have a drink on me tonight.

Beckett Simonon

Two distinctly different shoe options available for pre-order from an excellent retailer.

  • Let’s talk summer wedding style as mentioned above — what’s your dress shoe situation like? If you’ve got some time to plan ahead, the fine folks of Beckett Simonon can surely sort you out, and quite handsomely. The company’s well-done pre-ordering process — one that updates you every step of the way via E-mail, from production to shipping — is definitely quite neat. Of course, you might know Beckett Simonon from a Style Pick of the Week entry on the terrific Cole Bomber Jacket on this site, but the brand is so much more.  Perhaps you’re familiar with the insanely cool-looking Morgen Trainer as seen above? And from the handsome Dean Oxford in Brown Leather to a sharp and useful collection of three Italian leather belts, the company’s fine craft is evident throughout the entire process. Again, if you’ve got some time to plan ahead, pre-order one (or several?) pairs of the brand’s stylish men’s dress shoes and be prepared to take that late summer wedding by storm.
  • In retail news, one of my favorite purveyors of stylish leather watches, Shinola, just opened what should be an incredible, well-appointed retail space in chic SoHo here in NYC. Swing by if you’re in the Big Apple — you can find this shop in addition to the new Shinola Brooklyn shop and the brand’s handsome flagship in Tribeca. Happy shopping! be
  • We’re at it again — the three-ring circus that is the traveling band of menswear shows (kidding, kidding) is starting up again, this time at the world’s largest menswear fair, Pitti Uomo. As always, it’s brought out its fair share of well-dressed guys and … overly dressed guys. See the best-dressed guys at Pitt Uomo here.
  • Among other menswear developments, I’m particularly excited about a new series launched recently on the blog — it’s called The List, and it’s a rundown of great gear and essentially, the best menswear to buy now. Our first List included a plethora of great picks, from stylish Chelsea boots to a handsome leather watch and summer drinking essentials from my good pals at Bespoke Post. I’m very much looking forward to continuing the series, and I hope you’re looking forward to reading it.
  • Let’s start to wrap things up with some music — agreed? The Killers — a stunning, soul-stirring and ridiculously excellent live band  — released their new single, “The Man” late last week. It was fitting coming off of my weekend trip to New Jersey to see them play! Have you heard it yet? It’s a groovy, heavy, funky track that might fit in more readily with Mr. Brandon Flowers’ solo work … and yet, it’s got me as excited as ever to hear their new album, “Wonderful, Wonderful.”
  • Now, I’m moreso a proponent of stylish summer sneakers, but that didn’t stop me from writing about the best sandals for men over at one of my favorite style sites, GearMoose — they’re definitely a summer style essential if you’re on the beach or the boardwalk. Shop on!
    Greats
    In short order, that’s going to wrap up today’s Friday Read — are you ready for the weekend yet? I’m ready to kick back, relax and enjoy a nice, cold beer (or an iced coffee). Catch me tomorrow for our regularly scheduled Style Pick of the Week, and we’ll see you around!
    -Beau
    Timex